Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed…” Matthew 13:2-3 NIV
When I think about storytelling in the sense of my Christianity – I often think first about how Jesus used stories, in the form of parables, to teach us important lessons.
Strong’s Concordance defines the Greek word for parable “parabolay” as “a similitude (“parable”), i.e.(symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life converting a moral), apothem or adage: — comparison, figure, parable, proverb.”
Maybe even more interesting is the root of that word, again from Strong’s Concordance “parabalo”: “to throw alongside, i.e. (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken: — arrive, compare.”
In his book “Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed through the Stories Jesus Told” John MacArthur says:
“A parable is an ingeniously simple word picture illuminating a profound spiritual lesson…. Parables are not to be mined for layer upon layer of secret significance. Their lessons are simple, focused, without much embellishment.*”
Thankfully most of the stories I tell aren’t meant to point to some great spiritual truth. Most times when I tell a story I’m trying to connect with family, friends or colleagues. A lot of those times I’m trying to get a laugh – if I’m honest.
If we think about “Sharing Your Story”, which is this week’s devotional theme, let’s think about how sharing our story might serve Jesus. How would He use our stories? How would you want Him to use your story?
What stories would we tell?
Ask God in prayer what stories He would want you to share. You might be surprised what He brings to mind!
